Growth Mindset Archives – Resist Average Academy

The PayPal Effect (How To Get Anyone’s Attention)

Can I, Uh…Pick Your Brain?

Every week through the glorious DM (direct message) on social media —I get a variation of the following:

Can I meet you for coffee? Could I pick your brain for 30 minutes? I’m in town. I’d love to connect!

And listen, I’m not trying to make myself look cool or popular —my platform isn’t even that big.

But these messages always come, and while I’d love to meet with people:

I’m very clear about my priorities, goals and outcomes on where I place my most valuable resource: money time.

And you should too.

But what if you’re on the other side?

What if you’ve got something powerful to share with someone?

The great news about social media is you’re a few seconds away from connecting with nearly anyone in the world.

The bad news is: they’re being hit up constantly, and standing out can seem impossible.

Welcome to the PayPal effect, one of my trusted secrets for skipping the line, getting noticed and connecting with people who can give you life shifting advice.

But first, let’s understand what’s in the way and why it matters.

Understanding The Dilemma

Ask nearly anyone these days how they’re doing, and you’ll get a universal response:

I’m so busy. I’m beyond stressed. I’m trying to keep up.

Busyness is now #trending, and if you’re not busy —you’re essentially worthless.

But the people who you are trying to reach are truly busy. I don’t mean they’re better than others —but to experience some type of success means they’re at least somewhat intentional about how they use their time.

(Please don’t send me newspaper clippings from Tucker in Idaho who made $1.7 million in lotto winnings and plays Xbox all day to counteract this point.)

Often, these people are being pulled in endless directions —and it’s important for you not only to recognize this…

…but explicitly call it out in any communication. This shows you get it and aren’t someone who’s simply cold messaging them to get them to shout you out.

If you want to stand out even more, be hyper specific about their current busyness and intensity, saying things like:

“I know you’re slammed and just released a new…”
“Congrats on the ____. I know you must have no time, but..”

The first step is all about putting yourself in their shoes, to create instant rapport.